Therapy Cap Repeal in Sight, But More Grassroots Action Needed

A full repeal of the Medicare therapy cap could become part of congressional discussions on the sustainable growth rate (SGR)—but your voice is needed now to ensure that the repeal remains a priority on Capitol Hill.

APTA has been meeting with the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees to urge members to include a full repeal of the Medicare therapy cap in the SGR reform package currently under discussion. With less than 30 days until the expiration of the therapy cap exceptions process, grassroots involvement is more important than ever.

There are several easy ways to take action right away:

E-mail your legislators. Use the Legislative Action Center or Patient Action Center to tell your members of Congress that the Medicare therapy cap must be addressed in order to ensure access to outpatient therapy services in 2014.

Use the power of social media. Visit the Medicare therapy cap grassroots webpage to download the Stop the Therapy Cap logo, and change your profile pictures on Twitter and Facebook. Then tweet your legislators or share APTA’s Stop the Therapy Cap messages to help promote awareness. Be sure to encourage your colleagues, patients, friends and family members to get involved too.

Take action from your smart phone. Download the free APTA Action app (available at both Apple and Google Play app stores) to find your legislator’s Facebook page and Twitter profile, and let your voice be heard.

Legislators only have until December 31 to permanently repeal the cap or extend the exceptions process.

Comments

I work for a group of physical therapists. I often see the need for more therapy but a patient has used all the benefits available. As people age they often need PT on more then one occassion and it is not a "fixed" amount of treatment. We have seen patients who need PT on 3 parts of their bodies but are unable to get it due to the Medicare Cap. Please don't forget about the senior citizens who need care. You wouldn't expect a cast to come off an arm if it is still needed just because a time limit is used up.

Posted by Sandra Pincombe
on 12/4/2013 2:25 PM

Please make physical therapy a non cap benefit. Many seniors are benefiting from the care of physical therapy to make their life better.

Posted by Cynthia
on 12/4/2013 5:32 PM

I am a Practice Manager for a small outpatient physical therapy office. I see the benefits of Physical Therapy for seniors and those on disability on a daily basis. Many people have long term chronic conditions, and while we can't cure them, we can significantly improve their quality of life, and keep them at high level of daily living. Please lift the cap for 2014.

Posted by Dave Dittmer
on 12/6/2013 4:51 PM

Please make physical therapy a non cap benefit. Many seniors are benefiting from the care of physical therapy to make their life better.

Posted by Amy Adams
on 12/9/2013 12:18 PM

I personally know the cap needs to be done away with. I had attack of transverse melytis 11/4/15. Had in home health and then drive about 50 miles a day for physical therapy. Just as I was almost walking I was hit with the cap and it has taken 2 times as long to get back to where I was. The cap should be removed.Save money in long run.